Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Development Through the Lifespan
Chapter 18
Emotional and Social Development inLate Adulthood
This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law:
Any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network;
Preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images;
Any rental, lease, or lending of the program.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Erikson’s Theory:Ego Integrity versus DespairEgo Integrity Feel whole, complete,
satisfied with achievements
Serenity and contentment
Associated with psychosocial maturity
Despair Feel many decisions
were wrong, but now time is too short
Bitter and unaccepting of coming death
Expressed as anger and contempt for others
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Peck: Three Tasks of Ego Integrity
Ego differentiation versus work-role preoccupation
Body transcendence versus body preoccupation
Ego transcendence versus ego preoccupation
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Reminiscence and Life ReviewReminiscence Telling stories about
people, events, thoughts and feelings from past Self-focused: can
deepen despair Other-focused:
solidifies relationships Knowledge-based:
helps solve problems
Life Review Considering the
meaning of past experiences
A form of reminiscence
For greater self-understanding
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Personality inLate Adulthood
Secure, complex self-concept Self-acceptance Continuing from earlier life
Shifting characteristics: More agreeable Less sociable Greater acceptance of change
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Spirituality and Religionin Late Adulthood Over 3/4 in U.S. say religion “very important” Over half attend services Religious involvement fairly stable throughout
adulthood; some increase in later years Fowler’s Stages of Faith Development
1. Intuitive-projective
2. Mythic-literal
3. Synthetic-conventional
4. Individuative-reflective
5. Conjunctive
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Factors in Psychological Well-Being
Control versus Dependency Health
Poor health, depression linked Suicide risk
Negative Life Changes Social Support Social Interaction
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Control and Dependencyin Late Adulthood
Dependency-support script Attend immediately to dependent
behaviors Independence-ignore script
Ignore independent behaviors Scripts work together
Both reinforce dependency Make social contact less pleasant
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Social Theories of Aging
Disengagement Theory
Mutual withdrawal of elders and society.
Activity TheorySocial barriers cause declining interaction
Socioemotional Selectivity
Theory
Social networks become more selective with age
Emphasize certain functions of social contact
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Social Contexts of Aging Communities
Most in suburbs Minorities in cities
Neighborhoods Fear of crime and
victimization Housing
Less like home life,
harder to adjust
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Housing Arrangements in Late Adulthood
Ordinary Homes Own home – preferred and
most control With family
Residential Communities Congregate housing Life care communities
Nursing Homes
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Intimate Partnerships in Late Adulthood
Marriage Satisfaction peaks in late
adulthood If dissatisfied, harder for
women Gay and Lesbian
Partnerships Most happy, highly fulfilling
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Divorce and Widowhood Divorce
Few divorces in late adulthood, but increasing
More likely to remarry Widowhood
Widows 1/3 of elderly Most live alone Loneliness is a
problem Widowed men more
likely to remarry
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Friendships in Late Adulthood
Friends provide: Intimacy Companionship Acceptance Link to community Help with loss
Close to few, nearby friends Choose friends similar to self Sex differences continue
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Relationships with Children, Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren
Adult Children Quality of relationship affects
physical, mental health More important with advanced age
Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren Half of grandchildren adults Gradually reduced contact with
grandchildren Limited role with great-grandchildren
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Elder Maltreatment
Physical Abuse Physical Neglect Psychological
Abuse Financial Abuse
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Decision to RetireRetire Adequate retirement
benefits Compelling leisure
interests Low work commitment Declining health Spouse retiring Routine, boring job
Keep Working Limited or no
retirement benefits Few leisure interests High work commitment Good health Spouse working Flexible work schedule Pleasant, stimulating
work
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Adjusting to Retirement
Most people adapt well 30% adjustment difficulties
Factors in adjustment Financial worries Workplace factors Sense of personal control Social support
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004
Leisure Activities Interests usually continue from earlier in life
Many volunteer Frequency and variety drop with age
Involvement in rewarding leisure linked to better health, reduced mortality Self-expression New achievements Helping others Social interactions